About this experience

Patan Durbar Square

Lalitpur, Nepal

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Published: 2023 (v1)

Story outline

  • Patan Durbar Square

    Namaste and welcome to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The population of Nepal is very diverse, including people of many different ethnicities, cultures, and religions, including Buddhism and Hinduism.

  • Stop 1. Durbar Square

    We're at the southern edge of Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu Valley. This square, one of three in the valley, features palaces and temples with Hindu deities. It's a sacred space dating back to before Nepal's unification.

  • Stop 2. Palace Wall

    The royal palace in Patan Durbar Square is a dominant structure, surrounded by various shrines and temples for worship and ritual offerings known as puja. Vendors near the façade sell puja supplies.

  • Stop 3. Sundari Chowk

    You're in Sundari Chowk, one of three courtyards within Patan's royal palace. Made of brick and detailed wood from the sacred sal tree, this private space exemplifies Newari architecture and showcases the king's religious devotion.

  • Stop 4. Tusa Hiti

    The chowk's focal point is the Tusa Hiti step pool, adorned with intricately carved Hindu deities. The tap features Vishnu and Lakshmi, symbolizing water's sacred role in Hindu rituals.

  • Stop 5. World Heritage

    Urbanization and earthquakes threaten Kathmandu Valley's historic Durbar Squares. Skilled artisans work to maintain these structures, which are part of a World Heritage Site. Ongoing efforts aim to preserve this unique heritage for future generations.

Voices

  • Shivesh Sharma

    Student

    Shivesh Sharma is a student living in Lalitpur, Nepal. He has deep family connections to the shrines in Patan Durbar Square. Shivesh is also a musician and regularly performs as part of the Newari cultural festivals in Patan, including the Kartik Naach.

  • Padma Sundar Joshi

    Civil Engineer

    PS Joshi is an urban planner and engineer. He leads UN-Habitat in Nepal which works to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. He holds a Masters of Science in Resources Engineering, Land and Water Management from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology..

  • Indra Prashad Silpakar

    Wood craftsman and trained artist

    Indra Prasad Shilpakar is a Nepalese Wood Carver, artist, and teacher based in Bhaktapur, Nepal. He has a degree in Fine Arts and a Masters in Contemporary sculpture from Tribhuvan University. Since 2022 he has participated annually in the National Exhibition of Fine Arts (NAFA) and was honored to receive the special award in Handicraft in 2017 from NAFA. Working closely with his father Indra Prasad is intimately involved in restoration works to ensure the nation of Nepal remains connected with its traditional roots.

Partners

About the Project

Patan Durbar Square is located in the heart of the ancient city of Patan in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. This historic landmark features intricate woodwork, courtyards, and pagoda-style temples adorned with detailed carvings. Central to Patan's cultural and historical identity, the Durbar Square is home to the ancient Royal Palace, where the Malla Kings of Patan once resided. Apart from the palace, the square is dotted with numerous temples and shrines, each bearing witness to the artistic and religious beliefs of its builders. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square is not only an important destination for tourists but also a living testament to the Newar culture and Nepal's rich history.

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Credits

This Tapestry tour of Patan Durbar square was made possible thanks to our partners: Shivesh Sharma, Indra Prasad Shilpakar, Sunil Pandey, Monalisa Maharjan, Shristina Shrestha, Usha Ghimire, Rohit Ranjiktar, Raj Bikram Maharjan and Aswain Tamrakar.

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